Dear [deleted],
 

I have been a convert to Orthodoxy from Roman Catholicism for three years now. I had lived and breathed Catholicism for fifty years. That is a lot of time to just forget. After my Chrismation, I didn’t just automatically become totally Orthodox. At first I referenced even the possibility of becoming Orthodox to the teachings of the Catholic Church. 
 

I figured that if the Church accepted Orthodox orders and mysteries, then I couldn’t be going too far off. Now I don’t do that much any more. I judge Catholicism by the standards of Orthodoxy. On the Catholic side I can understand that Orthodoxy seems very familiar. After three years, it still does. We are not talking paganism vs. Christianity. But now I’m able to see where the worldview in a Christian sense is different and how it colors even the doctrines of the Creed that we both confess. We agree superficially, but we have nuances in our positions.

• The spirituality in Orthodoxy is much more communal. Catholic devotion is more every man for himself.

• The devil is real in Orthodoxy. He is ambiguous in modern Catholicism.

• The Church Fathers are considered like the apostles in Orthodoxy whereas in Catholicism they are considered rather passé.

• Orthodoxy is pure. It hasn’t sold out to the modern world or its worldview, as has Catholicism. Catholicism is so concerned about appearing intellectual that it is about to lose its faith.

• Orthodoxy is a Eucharistic assembly comprising one body.

• Catholicism is more a religious congregation under the rule of one pastor, the Pope.

• Orthodoxy relies much more on the Holy Spirit than it does on great teachers. It has more faith. It has taken the leap into the abyss and has lived to tell about it. Catholicism checks the direction of the winds, the prevailing wisdom, and the authority of the Pope before making a decision. Orthodoxy checks the scriptures, the councils and the fathers and makes sure that she is in line with them.

These are just a few thoughts from someone who is still a Catechumen in many ways but who is sure that Orthodoxy is The Truth and the love of God. The wrenching feeling from leaving my old faith is becoming much less painful and a joy at finding Orthodoxy is replacing it. Pray to the Holy Spirit through the Holy Fathers Basil, Gregory and John Chrysostom, and you will be led into the faith.